The Hall of Fame Game
Things To Watch in the Hall of Fame Game
With the Hall of Fame game coming up this Sunday, I think it's time to check out some of the more interesting things to watch for.
The Offensive Line
We'll finally get to see how much our offensive line has improved this offseason. The Eagles have Darren Howard and Javon Kearse at the ends and drafted rookie Brodrick Bunkley to beef up the middle of their defensive line. These guys will be a great test for us. Watch the right side very carefully. If we have any problems, it could be Langston Walker getting beat like he has been in camp.
The Linebackers
Our Linebackers should get a good test from mobile Quarter Donovan McNabb and talented running back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook will dangerous in the short yardage passing game and should give our speedy linebackers a good challenge.
Aaron Brooks
This one is pretty obvious. Everyone will be watching to see if Brooks can develop his timing with Randy Moss and the rest of our talented wide receivers. It will also be interesting to see how Porter plays and whether he is still our number 2 receiver.
Backup Running Backs
Justin Fargas could be a very important aspect of our running game this season so he needs to continue to run hard but eliminate his mistakes. Some of the latest reports out of training camp say he has struggled holding on to the ball so hopefully this is a mistake he can correct before the regular season starts. If he struggles, we may make a move to bring someone else in.
Penalties
Art Shell has been trying very hard to eliminate "mental mistake" penalties. Penalties of aggresiveness may occur but hopefully Shell will have helped our team to eliminate the penalties like false starts and offsides. Keep on eye on the types of penalties that are occuring.
Tyler Brayton versus Bobby Hamilton
This is one of our less publicized camp battles. Brayton is a better pass rusher but Hamilton is great against the run. If Brayton can improve against the run will end up as the starter going into the regular season. Watch how Brayton plays the run, especially on outside running plays. If he struggles Hamilton will regain the starting job.
The Young Secondary
The Eagles have a Pro Bowl Quarterback in Donovan McNabb but lack any real receiving threats. Our secondary should be able to cover the receivers without any problems but if they screw up, McNabb could make them pay. This will be a good first game for them to show us what we have. Hopefully, our starters can get a couple of interceptions off of a quality passer like McNabb.
Hall of Fame Game Info
Where: Canton, Ohio
When: Sunday, August 6th at 8:00 PM EST
Notes: It will be broadcasted live on NBC. The Raiders have participated in the Hall of Fame game twice and have a record of 2-0. The first appearance was in 1979 when the Raiders played the Dallas Cowboys and won 20-13. The most recent appearance was in 1993 when the Raiders beat the Green Bay Packers 19-3.
With the Hall of Fame game coming up this Sunday, I think it's time to check out some of the more interesting things to watch for.
The Offensive Line
We'll finally get to see how much our offensive line has improved this offseason. The Eagles have Darren Howard and Javon Kearse at the ends and drafted rookie Brodrick Bunkley to beef up the middle of their defensive line. These guys will be a great test for us. Watch the right side very carefully. If we have any problems, it could be Langston Walker getting beat like he has been in camp.
The Linebackers
Our Linebackers should get a good test from mobile Quarter Donovan McNabb and talented running back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook will dangerous in the short yardage passing game and should give our speedy linebackers a good challenge.
Aaron Brooks
This one is pretty obvious. Everyone will be watching to see if Brooks can develop his timing with Randy Moss and the rest of our talented wide receivers. It will also be interesting to see how Porter plays and whether he is still our number 2 receiver.
Backup Running Backs
Justin Fargas could be a very important aspect of our running game this season so he needs to continue to run hard but eliminate his mistakes. Some of the latest reports out of training camp say he has struggled holding on to the ball so hopefully this is a mistake he can correct before the regular season starts. If he struggles, we may make a move to bring someone else in.
Penalties
Art Shell has been trying very hard to eliminate "mental mistake" penalties. Penalties of aggresiveness may occur but hopefully Shell will have helped our team to eliminate the penalties like false starts and offsides. Keep on eye on the types of penalties that are occuring.
Tyler Brayton versus Bobby Hamilton
This is one of our less publicized camp battles. Brayton is a better pass rusher but Hamilton is great against the run. If Brayton can improve against the run will end up as the starter going into the regular season. Watch how Brayton plays the run, especially on outside running plays. If he struggles Hamilton will regain the starting job.
The Young Secondary
The Eagles have a Pro Bowl Quarterback in Donovan McNabb but lack any real receiving threats. Our secondary should be able to cover the receivers without any problems but if they screw up, McNabb could make them pay. This will be a good first game for them to show us what we have. Hopefully, our starters can get a couple of interceptions off of a quality passer like McNabb.
Hall of Fame Game Info
Where: Canton, Ohio
When: Sunday, August 6th at 8:00 PM EST
Notes: It will be broadcasted live on NBC. The Raiders have participated in the Hall of Fame game twice and have a record of 2-0. The first appearance was in 1979 when the Raiders played the Dallas Cowboys and won 20-13. The most recent appearance was in 1993 when the Raiders beat the Green Bay Packers 19-3.
posted by The Analyzer at 7:42 AM
5 Comments:
I will be very interested to see your recap on this.
Yeah, I'll probably have it done Monday morning for your viewing pleasure. It's the first preseason games so I expect there to be some problems but hopefully we can improve on the things I mentioned.
Wow, I had talked about the positional rankings by foxsports in yesterday's post but their QB rankings really shocked me. They have us ranked at 30!!!!!!!!!!
Thats correct, that behind Alex Smith and the 49ers. The Packers were ranked at 23 with Favre and Rodgers. I would much rather have Brooks and Walter and this point in time.
Foxsports has gone stupid.
The question is how long will we see these guys. I for one am looking forward to seeing Walter and Huff get some considerable playing time.
I'm interested to see how Huff, Howard, Williams, Walter, and McNasty play.
I know it is only the 1st exhibition game but I also want to see if the team plays with a brisk tempo, determined focus and toughness.
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